UPDATE: July 23, 2025 9:36 a.m.
The Lake Spokane Fire, just outside of Lake Spokane outside of Nine Mile Falls, has remained roughly the same size at 2,339 acres and is still 16% contained.
Yesterday, crews worked on creating a line around the fire using hand lines and dozer lines. The weather played a helpful role in tampering fire behavior and growth. However, later in the afternoon, the wind from the thunderstorm caused a few flare ups.
Crews prepped indirect and direct fire lines from Willow Ranch Road along Highway 291, as well as lines around the northern and eastern flanks of the mountain.
Today, firefighters plan on connecting lines around the fire perimeter.
Where the terrain allows, hand crews will work to construct fire lines next to the fire. Where lines already exist, firefighters will monitor for changes in fire behavior while doing mop up operations.
Crews are also monitoring for new fires in the greater area that might need suppression.
Northwest Washington Fire Information, who released the fire update, asked those driving along Highway 291 to stay alert and warned that smoke and some flames might be visible along that road.
The Northwest Complex Incident Management Team 2 is taking over management of the fire from Northeast Washington Type 3 Team 2 today after starting the transition yesterday.
UPDATE: July 22 at 11 a.m.
Firefighters made significant progress Monday on the Lake Spokane Fire, which has burned 2,338 acres since it started over the weekend. The fire is now 16% contained, officials said Tuesday.
Cooler temperatures and light rain helped crews slow the fire’s spread, allowing them to complete fire lines around roughly 80% of the perimeter. Firefighters focused on direct and indirect hand and dozer lines from the fire’s heel to its head, despite steep and rocky terrain.
The fire reached Highway 291 near Red Lake but stalled at the roadway, which acted as a natural barrier protecting nearby homes. Crews successfully held containment lines overnight and continued to monitor for flare-ups.
Today, firefighters are working to complete remaining fire lines and may conduct small burnout operations near Highway 291 and Mt. Godfrey if conditions allow. Drivers are urged to slow down and watch for fire crews along the highway.
UPDATE: July 21 at 5:45 p.m.
The fire has expanded to 2,400 acres.
Stevens County Fire District #1 says Highway 291 is open despite smoke visible from the roadway.
Drivers are asked to slow down.
UPDATE: July 21, 9 a.m.
Firefighters working the Lake Spokane Fire are focusing on building containment lines and slowing the fire’s forward progression as winds are expected to pick up Monday afternoon.
Crews are constructing dozer and hand lines along the fire’s flanks, while air support continues targeting hot spots.
Structure protection remains a priority, especially near Red Lake and the George and Carey Road area on the northwestern side of the fire.
The fire has burned 2,331 acres and remains 1% contained.
Weather conditions could challenge today’s firefighting efforts, with clouds moving in and a 20% chance of thunderstorms this evening.
Winds from the southwest are expected to increase this afternoon, raising the risk of new spot fires. Crews will patrol for flare-ups and continue hydration and pacing protocols to ensure safety.
UPDATE: July 20, 5:02 p.m.
According to Northeast Washington Fire Information, the eastern flank of the fire, on the side nearest Red Lake, has been exhibiting high fire activity.
Aerial crews are continuing to drop water and flame retardant while ground crews and dozers work to protect structures in the area and reduce the active fire activity around the perimeter of the blaze.
UPDATE: July 20, 9:20 a.m.
TUMTUM, Wash. — Level 3 “Go Now” evacuations have been issued for the Happy Hills area as the Lake Spokane Fire grew to more than 2,000 acres overnight.
The Stevens County Emergency Management said the Red Cross has opened a shelter at Lakeside High School. A large number of aircraft will assist with firefighting efforts. Officials urged residents to avoid the area and stay off the water.
Highway 291 is closed to through traffic. Authorities said keeping the area clear is critical to protect the many first responders working on the fire.
State fire mobilization was authorized late Saturday night to help battle the blaze.
Level 2 “Be Set” evacuations have also expanded. You can view the updated map below for details.
Emergency management officials said large animals can be taken to the Springdale Rodeo Grounds, which are accepting large animals only. If you are evacuating with small animals, please check in with the Red Cross and notify them.
UPDATE: July 19, 2025 at 10:12 p.m.
Highway 291 has been reopened and will remain open overnight. However, according to Stevens County Fire District One (SCFD1), the road will be closed again Sunday at 8 a.m., as operations fully resume.
By 9 a.m., air support will resume as well, and SCFD1 warned that aerial operations will be “intense,” similar to Saturday’s 18-aircraft operation.
SCFD1 also warned residents that fire will be visible throughout the night, but added that fire crews will be on scene working to manage the flames and ensure the safety of the surrounding community to the best of their abilities.
Level three evacuations will remain in place through the night.
According to SCFD1, Northeast Washington Fire Information will be taking over digital updates starting Sunday morning.
UPDATE: July 19, 2025 at 8:25 p.m.
According to Stevens County Fire District One, the fire has been named the “Lake Spokane Fire,” and is currently burning 575 acres. One primary structure and one secondary structure have been destroyed in the blaze.
Officials stated that progression has been slowed by the efforts of aircraft on the scene, allowing District One crews, along with other mutual aid districts and the Department of Natural Resources, to move in and continue working towards containment.
Fire crews will remain on the scene throughout the night as more resources arrive from around the state.
Evacuations remain in place until further notice, but firefighters will continue evaluating evacuation statuses constantly, according to Stevens County Fire District One.
Meanwhile, Stevens County Emergency Managmenet announced that Red Cross has opened a shelter at Lakeside High School, just off of Highway 291 and Lakeside Lane, for all evacuated residence.
UPDATE: July 19, 2025 at 6:54 p.m.
Stevens County Fire District One reported that aircraft are continuing to make progress battling the fire with water scooped from Long Lake.
Winds have reportedly started picking up, as ground crews are establishing lines along the perimeter of the fire.
Officials stated that a portion of the fire is burning in highly rugged terrain, requiring the heavy utilization of helicopters, as getting ground crews to effectively work in this terrain will be extremely difficult.
Stevens County Fire added that no acreage update has been obtained yet, because the aircraft have been busy.
UPDATE: July 19, 2025 at 5:52 p.m.
The Washington State Department of Transportation is fully closing down Highway 291 in the fire area, reportedly due to a high volume of traffic and fire burning on both sides of the road.
Drivers are strongly urged to stay away from the area.
UPDATE: July 19, 2025 at 5:32 p.m.
Stevens County Fire (SCF) District One reported that the fire has spread to over 250 acres, and is currently threatening nearby structures. Officials confirmed the loss of at least one structure.
SCF has requested state mobilization as the fire is being accelerated to the northwest by winds pushing upwards from the southwest.
Stevens County Emergency Management has contacted Red Cross about establishing shelters for evacuated residents.
UPDATE: July 19, 2025 at 5:15 p.m.
Stevens County Emergency Management reported that the fire is burning approximately 200 acres. Level three evacuation have been implemented on the north side of Highway 291.
Air support is still responding on the scene and the public has been urged to continue avoiding the area.
The Washington State Patrol (WSP) announced that a full closure of northbound Highway 291, 15 miles north of Suncrest, will remain in place until further notice while firefighters continue battling the flames. A detour using local roads has been established, and WSP officers are at the scene of the closure to assist.
UPDATE: July 19, 2025 at 4:44 p.m.
The Stevens County Sheriff’s Office reported that the brush fire is moving rapidly between Tum Tum and Corkscrew Canyon, adding that air assets will be scooping water from Long Lake to battle the fire.
Boaters in the area have been urged to leave and make way while the aircraft continue to work.
STEVENS COUNTY, Wash. – A multi-acre brush fire has ignited west of the Red Lake area, according to Stevens County Emergency Management (SCEM).
According to the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), the brush fire is burning near State Route 291, prompting closures of the roadway near milepost 28.38, in the area of Corkscrew Canyon Road. These closures were first implemented at 3:43 p.m., and will remain in place until further notice, WSDOT stated.
Evacuation orders have been issued as fire crews from Stevens County Fire District One respond to the scene.
No information has been shared regarding the cause of the fire.
Article originally published July 19, 2025 at 4:15 p.m.
